TriggerGoogle DocsReal-timeUpdated May 2026
When does Google Docs fire on new docs?
Short answer: Drop the "Google Docs → Google Doc Created" trigger on your workflow canvas, add filters if you want them, and publish. It fires within seconds of the event in Google Docs, not on a polling schedule.
Anatomy
What this trigger looks like in a workflow.
Drop it on the canvas. Configure a couple of fields. Publish.
In the builder
Trigger
Google Doc Created
When the matching event happens
when document creatednew google docwatch for new documenton document createdwhen a new document is createddocument addednew doc created
What this trigger returns
for the curiousYou don’t need to read this. Tiny Command auto-maps every field into the visual picker so downstream nodes can pull values by clicking. We show it here for power users who want to know what’s on the wire.
{"files": [{"id": "1aBcDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRsTuVwXyZ","name": "Meeting Notes — April 2026","owners": [{"displayName": "Jane Doe","emailAddress": "jane@example.com"}],"mimeType": "application/vnd.google-apps.document","createdTime": "2026-04-23T10:00:00Z","webViewLink": "https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aBcDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRsTuVwXyZ/edit","modifiedTime": "2026-04-23T10:05:00Z"}]}
Output shape
Fields available to downstream nodes.
Every field below can be referenced by name in any action or filter that comes after this trigger.
| Field | Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| files | array | [{"id":"1aBcDeFgHiJkLmNoPqRsTuVwXyZ","name":"Meeting Notes — |
Pairs with
Drop these actions after Google Doc Created.
FAQ
Questions about Google Doc Created.
How does the Google Doc Created trigger work in Google Docs?
Fires when a new Doc is created in Drive that the connected account can see. Useful for "every new design doc → post to design-channel Slack" or "auto-add new docs to a tracking sheet" workflows.
Is the Google Doc Created trigger real-time?
Yes. Google Doc Created uses webhooks or push subscriptions, not polling. Your workflow fires within seconds of the event happening in Google Docs.
What data does Google Doc Created return?
The full event payload from Google Docs. The output shape table on this page lists every field, its type, and an example value so you can map fields into downstream nodes.
Can I filter Google Doc Created so only some events start a workflow?
Yes. Add a Filter node right after the trigger and match on any field, whether that's subject, sender, status, or anything else in the payload. Workflows only continue when the filter passes.
Do I need Google Docs admin permissions to use Google Doc Created?
For most Google Docs accounts a standard user can authorize the trigger. Some Google Docs plans require an admin to enable third-party webhooks. Check Google Docs's docs if the trigger fails to register.
More triggers
Other Google Docs triggers.
Build a workflow on this trigger.
One trigger. 5+ downstream actions. Zero glue.
